Rodriegus,
Yes, it is because without a well prepared syllabus the students will not know the expectations, requirements or policies of the course. They need to know all these elements if they are to be successful in their learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It helps students feel comfortable knowing what is expected of them and lets them know when quizzes and exams will be.
Having a well prepared syllabus is crucial to outlining the course expectations as well what will coveed during the course.
Kathy,
So true and such an important point to understand. The syllabus is the communication of expectations document and all instructors need to remember that when they share it with students and refer to it when a question comes up.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think the importance of knowing that our syllabus is a legally-binding contract between the instructor and the students is significant. I have heard instructors dispute this point and fail to see the value of a well-designed syllabus. It takes time and much forethought to construct your course to the degree that is required for an accurate syllabus. Ultimately, if it is on the syllabus, it needs to be done.
Kathy
Hi Jennifer: A well defined and prepared syllabus sets the class climate and provides organization and structure as well. Students who know what to expect and what to study do better on exams. Good post.
by Sandra Drab
Maureen,
This is essential if a course is going to get off to a clear start. The students need to know exactly what is required. If they don't then frustration sets in and no one is satisfied with how the course is going.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A clear and concise contract ensures that a student knows the expectations of the course. It also introduces the instructor's style and sets boundaries.
A good syllabus is integral to a student's success and an instructor's efficiency.
Kathryn,
It has happened to me as well so I use the same requirement with my students. We cover it in class and they sign off that they have read it. As you say reduces the questions and eliminates the excuse that they didn't get a copy of the syllabus.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is important to have a well - prepared syllabus for your course because it clearly lays out the proposed path of the course. The students can refer to it daily as it will inform them of everything they need to know. I refer to it daily as well to guide me for thier sucess.
I like having a syllabus "sign-off" so that students can't say "Well I know you gave me a syllabus, but I didn't read it!" Which has happened.
Edward,
Good comments about the value of a well prepared syllabus. It is a guiding document that can do much to reduce confusion and frustration. You made me smile with your comment about having extra copies and putting it online. As adults you would think students would be able to hand onto their syllabus alas not so for a number of them. So the extra copies come in handy as to my referring them to the syllabus online. Humans are humans no matter their age.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It provides a smooth transition into the teaching and the content. Students seem to appreciate that I include project deadlines in the syllabus as well. I also make sure that in addition to the hard copy handout that they sign for, that the syllabus is available on their online student portal in the syllabus and content areas. I also keep extras on hand. I find I often need it as much as they do.
Kathy,
I love hearing stories like this because it shows that through dedication, effort and professionalism content can be delivered to students no matter how unusual the circumstances may be. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I know that the main reason I was able to jump in and substitute for some one on very short notice last term was mainly because the syllabus was so well written. Even without feeling particularly 'current' on that subject I was able to see what was coming up to cover in each class and prepare that chunk of the material- keeping myself just ahead of the students in the materials let me successfully guide them through a course I took 4 years ago.
It came together beautifully because I had a very well-prepared syllabus to lean on.
Kathy
Aldorey,
Well said. A well prepared syllabus sets the tone for a positive class to come because the policies, requirements and expectations of the course are laid out for every student to read and understand.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sharon,
You are right on with your comments about how a syllabus should be prepared. I want to reinforce your point about the use of a grading rubric. A grading rubric saves time because the students can see exactly where points were earned or lost and it reduces questions about why a grade was given since the student can clearly see how each section of the project was evaluated.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is a guide for the instructor as well as for the student. A well develop syllabus will help student answer their questions with regards to the course/class that they're taking.
I find that a well prepared syllabus takes the mystery out of a course. Students clearly understand what the learning objectives are, what the course deliverables are expected, grading rubrics as related to the deliverables, as well as classroom expectations (i.e., AHP, team requirements,etc). I like to include university, programmatic and classroom policies so a student cannot debate in appropriate classroom behaviors and clearly understands the penalities of inappropriate behavior. I also include a grading rubic that clearly defines what is expected of an A grade versus a C. I often put a statement that simply submitted an assignment does not guarantee a grade of C. This tends to alleviate any grade entitlement attitutdes.
